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Building Coffeehouses with "coffee culture" - Idea Exchange
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This group is for all those who have ever heard of, experienced, or are actively creating a coffeehouses with coffee culture.
Members: 130
Latest Activity: Dec 3
How to build coffeehouses with "coffee culture"
Get the most out of the bean and encourage "coffee culture" to develop!
In today's coffeehouses, placing emphasis on "coffee-to-go" seems to be the normal way of doing business. Images of people standing at the counter to place their orders, hurrying through the drive-thru, and drinking from a paper cup are becoming the signs and symbols of this new coffee culture. For many, it's hard to even conceive of another way. Turning coffee into a commodity and rushing people through increases profits which is what matters most to many in the business. Such coffeehouses are simply cashing in on the worse aspects of modern life, rather than being the cure to them.
"Quality coffee is meant to build community, inspire creative expression, and drive us to social responsibility." - Kayakman
Is there another way of doing coffeehouse besides the espresso bar and "fast food" model? Are there any higher more noble goals for a coffeehouse than just pandering to the customer's coffee-caffeine addiction or the need for a personal treat? Is there anything else a coffeehouse can market besides "coffee in a paper cup" in order to turn a profit? Is there any other way than the coffeehouse without coffee culture?
The answer is "yes" and the history of one type of an alternative model can be traced back to central Europe and is called the "Viennese Café." This model differs from the newer Italian and Seattle espresso bars and "paper cup" models in that its focus is on creating an environment that builds community and enhances local culture. A sign hanging on the wall of one Vienna coffeehouse reads "We do not cater to people in a hurry". In central Europe this style of coffeehouse is an integral part of a well-cultivated leisure industry, offering people a wide selection of reading materials, full-wait staff, and abundant booth seating.
Another hallmark of the "Viennese Café" style is that it's intentional in supporting local culture as it views it as an intrinsic part of what it means to be a coffeehouse. In fact, arts were so integral that the coffeehouse was known as the "cradle of the culture."
To understand the central European model visit this Wikipedia article: Viennese Café, Cafe Kultur, Following the Viennese Coffeehouse Tradition, and this 1897 New York Times article VIENNA AND ITS 500 CAFES (be sure to click on the View Full Article link to the PDF). Here is also a five-minute NPR podcast that highlights the clash of these two models at play in the real world when... Starbucks Hits the Coffee Capital of the World - Vienna. Living examples of this model can be found in Vienna at Cafe Hawelka or at a true Vienna coffeehouse with two locations in Chicago, Julius Meinl.
Another living option is the "independent" coffeehouse model popular in America which can often trace its roots of influence back to the beatnik coffeehouses of the late 1950s. Often these coffeehouses mix micro roasting specialty coffee with art shows, concerts, poetry nights, and other cultural events. A few good examples of this model are Metropolis Coffee in Chicago, Alterra at the Lake in Milwaukee, The Original Dunn Brothers Coffee in Minnesota, Victrola Coffee in Seattle, Burlap and Bean in Newtown Square, PA. Here are two interesting articles, Alterra Coffee owns Milwaukee and Bucking Starbucks: Neighborhood flavor flows in independent coffeehouses, about how an independent coffeehouse can compete against the corporate chain stores.
In this rushed modern world, we desperately need a place that serves as an oasis of sanity... a place where we can slow down, find community, connect with local culture, and get involved in the community around us. Unlike an espresso bar, a true coffeehouse provides us with this kind of space like few other places can.
"Quality coffee is meant to build community, inspire creative expression, and drive us to social responsibility." - Kayakman
This group is for all those who have ever heard of, experienced, or are actively creating coffeehouses that build community and enhance local culture. Discussion threads on topics ranging from an inviting coffeehouse layout, decor, customer service techniques, hosting of community groups, allowing space for local artist and musicians, and offering customers reading materials and board games are greatly encouraged.
Feel free to share your stories, photos, videos or anything else that will help us better understand what you or others are doing to build coffee culture so we can promote and advance this concept of coffeehouse!
In today's coffeehouses, placing emphasis on "coffee-to-go" seems to be the normal way of doing business. Images of people standing at the counter to place their orders, hurrying through the drive-thru, and drinking from a paper cup are becoming the signs and symbols of this new coffee culture. For many, it's hard to even conceive of another way. Turning coffee into a commodity and rushing people through increases profits which is what matters most to many in the business. Such coffeehouses are simply cashing in on the worse aspects of modern life, rather than being the cure to them.
"Quality coffee is meant to build community, inspire creative expression, and drive us to social responsibility." - Kayakman
Is there another way of doing coffeehouse besides the espresso bar and "fast food" model? Are there any higher more noble goals for a coffeehouse than just pandering to the customer's coffee-caffeine addiction or the need for a personal treat? Is there anything else a coffeehouse can market besides "coffee in a paper cup" in order to turn a profit? Is there any other way than the coffeehouse without coffee culture?
The answer is "yes" and the history of one type of an alternative model can be traced back to central Europe and is called the "Viennese Café." This model differs from the newer Italian and Seattle espresso bars and "paper cup" models in that its focus is on creating an environment that builds community and enhances local culture. A sign hanging on the wall of one Vienna coffeehouse reads "We do not cater to people in a hurry". In central Europe this style of coffeehouse is an integral part of a well-cultivated leisure industry, offering people a wide selection of reading materials, full-wait staff, and abundant booth seating.
Another hallmark of the "Viennese Café" style is that it's intentional in supporting local culture as it views it as an intrinsic part of what it means to be a coffeehouse. In fact, arts were so integral that the coffeehouse was known as the "cradle of the culture."
To understand the central European model visit this Wikipedia article: Viennese Café, Cafe Kultur, Following the Viennese Coffeehouse Tradition, and this 1897 New York Times article VIENNA AND ITS 500 CAFES (be sure to click on the View Full Article link to the PDF). Here is also a five-minute NPR podcast that highlights the clash of these two models at play in the real world when... Starbucks Hits the Coffee Capital of the World - Vienna. Living examples of this model can be found in Vienna at Cafe Hawelka or at a true Vienna coffeehouse with two locations in Chicago, Julius Meinl.
Another living option is the "independent" coffeehouse model popular in America which can often trace its roots of influence back to the beatnik coffeehouses of the late 1950s. Often these coffeehouses mix micro roasting specialty coffee with art shows, concerts, poetry nights, and other cultural events. A few good examples of this model are Metropolis Coffee in Chicago, Alterra at the Lake in Milwaukee, The Original Dunn Brothers Coffee in Minnesota, Victrola Coffee in Seattle, Burlap and Bean in Newtown Square, PA. Here are two interesting articles, Alterra Coffee owns Milwaukee and Bucking Starbucks: Neighborhood flavor flows in independent coffeehouses, about how an independent coffeehouse can compete against the corporate chain stores.
In this rushed modern world, we desperately need a place that serves as an oasis of sanity... a place where we can slow down, find community, connect with local culture, and get involved in the community around us. Unlike an espresso bar, a true coffeehouse provides us with this kind of space like few other places can.
"Quality coffee is meant to build community, inspire creative expression, and drive us to social responsibility." - Kayakman
This group is for all those who have ever heard of, experienced, or are actively creating coffeehouses that build community and enhance local culture. Discussion threads on topics ranging from an inviting coffeehouse layout, decor, customer service techniques, hosting of community groups, allowing space for local artist and musicians, and offering customers reading materials and board games are greatly encouraged.
Feel free to share your stories, photos, videos or anything else that will help us better understand what you or others are doing to build coffee culture so we can promote and advance this concept of coffeehouse!
Discussion Forum
Coffeehouses that support local culture
Started by Kayakman Oct 2.
Blended customer service models - order at the counter and menu/wait staff?
Started by Kayakman Aug 28.
Signature coffee drinks from a French Press? 70 Replies
Started by Kayakman. Last reply by Kayakman Jul 20.
Comment Wall
Comment
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Comment by Kayakman on October 2, 2009 at 9:20am - Dee - on that we agree 100%
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Comment by Dee on July 8, 2009 at 12:29pm - I really think that it is all in the way you present and the education you provide to the customers. It is truly an experience as a great restaurant they may have take out but its not nearly as great! Coffee is something special and when done properly is truly an EXPERIENCE and something so enjoyable. Once you open someones eyes to this there is no going back the hard part is opening their eyes but not harshly enough were you blind them. It has to be a subtle line of educating and enlightening, not down talking and discouraging. (couldnt think of the right word for down talking maybe degrading) Basically it is all in how you put it out there! In a perfect world I see no paper cups I hope I live to see that!
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Comment by chuck celentano on June 1, 2009 at 10:19am - This is exactly what we are trying to do at Driscoll's Tipp Hill Cafe. We encourage our customers to sit down, relax and soak in the ambiance. We have gone out of our way to create a relaxing, cozy atomsphere that our customers really appreciate.
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Comment by Kayakman on April 22, 2009 at 6:48am
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In Central Europe the coffeehouse was the "cradle of culture". In local neighborhoods and on the national level the they were the set of grass roots avant-garde culture in terms of art, music, literature, poetry, and philosophy. After the wwii espresso bars replaced the traditional coffeehouse and much was lost. The heart and soul of the culture died and was replaces with mass media and pub culture.
So it is not just sad to see it dieing out... it impacts the quality of life for individuals, neighborhoods, nations, and even slows the advance of society by letting yet another independent 3rd-place die.
What have we giving up by turning coffee into a quick fix drink as espresso bars and Starbucks drive-thru type places have?
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Comment by Rich Abker on January 8, 2009 at 9:44am - I think you are right Kayak. However there will be exceptions at the neighborhood level for interesting coffeehouse growth, whatever form that will be in our lifetime. It would be sad to see the demise of our historical coffee houses, or penny universities as they were called in England. Time will tell.
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Comment by Kayakman on January 8, 2009 at 3:22am
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Rich Abker - we agree on much, but i fear that the coffeehouse with culture, as it was before the advance of the espresso bar, is becoming an endangered species. Perhaps the espresso bar concept blends all to well with our modern quick fix lifestyle, while at the same time being adaptable to corporate franchising schemes.
To compete with the advance of the corporate espresso bar chain stores, many local coffeehouses joined rank and become paper cup drive-thru establishment. In the process the coffeehouse as a neighborhood gather place and culture center is dieing off, resulting in an ever greater lost sense of community in modern times.
I am just trying to point out and advance other options, like the 3rd wave coffeehouses or the Viennese Café.
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Comment by Rich Abker on January 3, 2009 at 2:06pm
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The word coffee house to me implys a sit down arrangement, rather than a cup a jo to go. It has appeal, especially if you have the time to linger, or are with a friend or friends. It is one of my favorite coffee environments.
I think there is a need for all types of coffee establishments, such as the high volume espresso cafes, the convenient drive-thrus, the internet espresso lounges, the bakery cafes, the espresso bars inside office buildings, the independent retail coffee shops, the corporate coffee bars, the mobile espresso vans, and the friendly neighborhood coffee houses. I beleive that we are all connected in some way, and contribute to the social enjoyment of coffee lovers everywhere.
I would like to visit a coffee house that offers creative means of group involvement which would include participation rooms. Examples would be a Game Room, providing games such as darts, shuffle board, board games, etc.
Next would be a Prose & Poetry Room with a mixture of amateurs and pros sharing their talent. Or possibly a Current Affairs room that allows volunteers to speak of political, environmental, humanatarian, and social issues.
There is a place in Bothell, Washington, just 15 minutes north of Seattle that has coffee house spirit. It has a small stage where local students can share their talents with a freindly audience, for tips. It is called The Lyon's Den and is owned by Lynn Lyon. Many social activities are planned here.
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Comment by Mike Shipley on December 1, 2008 at 2:23pm -
Good ceramic rules. Coffee offers a respite, so make the most of it and sit comfortably. Sip slowly. A good cup holds the heat. Inhale. Exhale. Enjoy your day.
The Dad posing as Mike at Conscious Cup.
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Comment by Kayakman on November 12, 2008 at 4:45am
- Tim - I think you are right about the "added value" marketing idea.
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Comment by Tim Noble on November 11, 2008 at 5:22pm - How about framing the "coffee for here" meme around the idea of value? For the price of a decent cup of coffee to go, you get the social experience, stress reduction, and atmosphere of a wonderful public space. All it costs is your few extra free minutes, and you gain so much in the added value of those minutes. My coffee house is called Town Hall Coffee, because I envision the space as a public house- a community gathering space. Definitely a "FOR HERE" model.
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